AIRPORT bosses have given the strongest indication yet that flights to London will return to the region for the first time in a decade.

Officials at operator Stobart Group said it would be the "natural next step" to reintroduce flights to the capital from Teesside International Airport.

The Northern Echo:

The revelation came as the controversial decision to rename the airport to Durham Tees Valley Airport was officially reversed yesterday following the conclusion of a legal battle with businessman Chris Joseph.

Kate Willard, director of partnership development at Stobart Group, said she would "very much like to see" flights to London Southend Airport, which is also operated by Stobart and is the fastest growing airport in the capital.

The move could result in the first direct flights since BMI withdrew its London service a decade ago.

The Northern Echo:

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Ms Willard said: "It is the only London airport with peak time slots available. It would be 50 minutes from the airport directly into central London, there would be six train services an hour, about 100 steps from plane to train, so I think absolutely the opportunity to link businesses here and individuals down into London would feel like a very natural next step.

"It is about connecting these businesses into the London economy which is so important, but it is also connecting inbound visitors and businesses who want to come here and invest."

An online poll carried out last year, which had been completed by 14,000 people – saw 93 per cent support for the rebrand back to the airport’s pre-2004 name.

The new logo uses the original colours of the airport from before the 2004 rebrand of blue and green, incorporating into the design one of the area’s most famous natural landmarks, Roseberry Topping.

The Northern Echo:

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen confirmed he was in talks with other airlines about flights into other destinations across the UK and Europe.

"When I speak to international investors they don’t know where Durham Tees Valley is either. For me, our airport name should reflect a brand people know and understand.

“Last week we announced the first flights to Spain from this airport for seven years. We’re making good progress on our plan to restore Teesside International to its former glory.”